THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN TURKEY, GERMANY AND …comenius.sezin.k12.tr/geninformation/reports/Educational...

THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN TURKEY, GERMANY AND SPAINLooking through the Non-University Schooling

REPORT

ABSTRACT

This report aims to compare the non University Education System in Germany, Turkey and

Spain. It shows the results of the survey realize by the students of IES Val Miñor on the education of

the three countries involved in the Comenius Project "Tourism, society and economical development".

Two of the main goals of Comenius Projects are to enhance the European Consciousness and to find

a common future but recognizing the diversity . The students have been focused in some general

aspects that show our common challenges and goals in education .

COMENIUS PROJECT 2012-2014 "Tourism, society and economical development"

CONTENTS

1. THE SURVEY............................................................................... 32. THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN TURKEY.................................... 43. THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN GERMANY................................ 74. THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN SPAIN....................................... 115. THE CHALENGES: ENROLEMENT AND DROPOUT................ 146. A SHORT VIEW IN IMAGES........................................................ 167. SOURCES......................................................................................198. ENCLOSURE 1............................................................................. 20


1. THE SURVEY

As one activity of the Comenius Project called "Tourism, society and economical

development", this report try to catch our attention about the schooling and its challenges in Europe.

One of the most relevant goals of Comenius is "to enhance the quality and reinforce the European

dimension of school education, in particular by encouraging transnational cooperation between

schools and to promote the learning of languages and intercultural awareness". For this reason one

of the activities designed in the Project in question has been to draw students attention to the

similarities and differences of schooling in Europe. With a special view to showing our schools,

students have found out how much similar is our schooling but how diverse at the same time.

Spanish students team have got a survey off the ground to comparing the education system in

Turkey, Germany and Spain. Education at the University level was not a goal of this report.

The report point at several main aspect that define the school system: the organization of

different levels, free or compulsory studies, languages learning, state or private possibilities as main

guides. During the meetings of the project they have discover the way in which these three countries

organize schooling. The report is based in both field work in the respective schools participating in the

project and in subsequent information related to figures in EU Education. The report includes in the

final enclosure the inquiry that students have carried out.


2. THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN TURKEY

There are 81 provinces in Turkey distributed across seven regions. The education system is

centrally managed in accordance with laws set down by the government of the country. Turkey’s

formal education system is composed of Preschool, elementary primary education, and secondary

education (high school); the last one permit the access to the higher education system.

Public or private

There are both possibilities: public and private schools. Most of the schools are owned by the

State and provide free educational opportunities. In order to provide equal opportunities for the

children with limited finances, there are State high schools with boarding facilities. These schools are

free of charge and the students are placed according to the results of an examination. There are also

many private high schools.

Compulsory or voluntary With a new Law in 2012, four years of Elementary school + four years of Middle school is

compulsory today, followed by four years of compulsory high school education (makes a total of 12

years compulsory education).

Languages at SchoolExcept in specially licensed and foreign institutions, Turkish must be taught as the mother

tongue. Students learn foreigner languages: most of them learn English, but German, French and

also Spanish is available in several private schools.

Ratio student/teacherThe ratio is really variable depending on the system: state or private schools have important

differences in this aspect. Private ratio is around 15- 20 pupils class; state ratio can raise to 50-60

students per class.

Pre-school Education Pre-Primary education is optional for children between 3-5 years of

age. Pre-school training is available on a private basis or with public sector

facilities. However, this level of education is not yet common and is limited to

about 5-10 % of Turkish pre-school children. The children basically start

around four years age and learn games, theater, painting, manners, songs, etc.

This education is focused on physical, mental and sensory development of children and the

acquisition of good habits, to prepare children for primary education and to ensure that Turkish is

spoken correct and well.

Pre-school education is given in kindergartens, daycare homes, nursery classes in primary

schools, and in private nurseries, all under the supervision of the Ministry. They are usually

concentrated in larger towns and cities.

Primary Education Primary education is compulsory for all boys and girls at the age

of 5 and is given free of charge in public schools. These schools

provide eight (4+4) years of education. There are also private (and

paid) schools under State control. In most of the primary schools,

foreign language lessons start from 4th class. At the end of 8 years,

successful students go for the Secondary education for 4 more years.

The primary education includes courses of Turkish language

and literature, mathematics, social studies, science, civics and human rights, the history of the Turkish

Republic and Atatürk's reforms, a foreign language (English, French or German), individual and group

activities, religious culture and ethics, art/handicraft, music, physical education, traffic safety and first

aid, career guidance, and elective courses.

The purpose of the primary education is to ensure that every child acquires the basic

knowledge, skills, behaviors, and habits to become a good citizen, is raised in line with the national

moral concepts and is prepared for life and for the next education level parallel to his/her interests and

skills.

Secondary Education The secondary education system includes General High Schools, and Vocational and

Technical High Schools. From 2005-2006 on the duration of secondary education has been increased

from three to four years.

General high schools prepare students for higher

learning institutions. Some of the secondary

schools and the private secondary schools have

foreign language preparatory classes. This kind of

private lyceums have double language education

(such as Italian High school, German High school,

Austrian High school, French High school...)

Vocational and technical high schools provide specialized instruction with the aim of training

qualified personnel.

Technical lyceums include special formations such as electricity, electronics, chemistry, machinery,

motors, building, etc.

Vocational lyceums can be Industrial Vocational Lyceums; Girls' Vocational Lyceums (home

economics etc.), Public Health Vocational Lyceums, Commercial Vocational Lyceums, Agricultural

Vocational Lyceums, Meteorology Vocational Lyceums, Animal Husbandry Vocational Lyceums, Land

Registration and Cadastre Vocational Lyceums, etc.

The main goal of secondary education is to give

students a minimum common culture, to raise

awareness in order to contribute to the socio-economic

and cultural development of the country and to prepare

the students for higher education, for profession, for life

and for business in line with their interests and skills.

To the University and other programsGraduates of the high schools can attend universities if

they can pass admission exams. At the end of high school,

students take the National University Entrance Examination

(OSS) if they want to continue their studies at a two-year

vocational higher education, open/distance education programs

or a four-year undergraduate programme at a University.

Students have unlimited possibilities to retake the test. Anybody who would like to attend university

can take this test, it does not matter at what stage in life they are (provided of course they have

graduated from high school).

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type)There are no non-university level post-secondary studies in the Turkish higher education

system. Higher technical and vocational post-secondary studies last for four years in higher schools

and for two years in vocational higher schools affiliated to the universities. They offer vocational

training in various professions and confer an Önlisans Diplomasi following completion of two-year

university studies and a Lisans Diplomasi on completion of four-year university studies.


3. THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN GERMANY

The German education system is state-based but each of the German 16 states (Länder)

determines their own school system which differ in varying degrees from one another. As a result of

that the school system in Germany is rather complex and offers various options: The system varies

throughout Germany because each state (Land) decides its own educational policies and schools in

Germany’s north can be very different from those in Bavaria. What follows offers a short view that

summarize the main common aspects in which this report is focused: compulsory levels, general

structure...

Public or private Public schools in Germany are maintained and paid for by the government. They are free of

charge while offering a good education. Nevertheless, there are relatively private schools in Germany.

There are the exception to the rule, currently about 3,000 private schools in Germany, many of them

boarding schools, but most of the students attend public education.

Compulsory or voluntary Education becomes compulsory at the age of six for all resident children. No matter whether

they have German or foreigner parents, they must start to attend one of the many elementary schools

in Germany.

Languages at SchoolExcept in specially licensed and foreign institutions, German must be taught as the mother

tongue. Students usually learn other languages: English, Latin, French and Spanish

Ratio students/teacherThe ratio students per class is variable. On average, there are about 20 students per class at

primary level and secundary level.

Pre-school Education - (Kindergarten)Children in Germany have the opportunity to attend pre-school

institutions before the period of compulsory schooling begins. Kindergarten

(for children between 3-6 years) is not a part of the regular public school

system; it is not required or free and for this reason the attendance at

Kindergarten is totally voluntary. The infants are not given formal instruction; instead, their

development and relations with other children are fostered through play. Tuition is normally based on

income. Space is often limited and even though it's not mandatory, the majority of three to six year

olds attend them. In bigger cities, it is also possible to find bilingual kindergartens for many foreign

languages.

Primary Education (Grundschule) There are some differences among the Lands but, normally, schooling

for all children begins at the age of six in the first year of a Grundschule. This

level is totally free. Children attend the Grundschule for 4 years (6 in Berlin and

Brandenburg), during which time they learn to read, write and to do arithmetic.

In addition, teachers also offer some basic instruction in social science, history,

geography, biology, physics and chemistry. Pupils can try out their creative powers in music, art, and

craft lessons. Sport also forms part of the curriculum at the Grundschule. The teaching of foreign

languages, which used to take place exclusively in secondary schools, is now also being offered at

more and more primary schools.

Secondary Education (Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium)In most federal states you have the choice between

three types of schools with different academic standards:

1. Hauptschule: grades 5-9 or 10

2. Realschule: grades 5-10-11

3. Gymnasium: grades 5-10

HauptschuleThe final half of the elementary primary school

children are sent to the Hauptschule. The main objective of the Hauptschule is to prepare students for

their entry into the world of work. From the first year of Hauptschule, all children learn English

(sometimes French). They are also taught German, mathematics, physics / chemistry, biology,

geography, history, religion (or a substitute subject), music, art, politics and sports, and are given an

introduction to the world of work. Once students have obtained their leaving certificate at the age of 15

/ 16, they can go into practical vocational training, start work in the public service at basic or

secretarial level, or attend a Berufsfachschule (full-time vocational school).

RealschuleAbout one quarter of the children attend Realschule where they learn the basic subjects which

will prepare them for a mid-level job in business. Students attend Realschule for six years (grades 5-

11). Unlike the Hauptschule, the Realschule gives children a broader general education and expects

them to show greater independence. They also have a chance to learn a second foreign language

(usually French), in addition to the first compulsory language (generally English). In comparison with

the Gymnasium, the pupils are given a more vocationally-oriented education. At the end of their 10th

year, successful pupils will obtain the Realschule leaving certificate. With this certificate, they have

access to several training options: in-company vocational training, work in the public service at

secretarial and executive level, further education in school at Secondary Level II or at a

Fachhochschule. The Realschule is very popular in Germany.

GymnasiumAbout a quarter of the children go to ‘Gymnasium’. It has nothing to with sports or any kind of

physical education and instead is the literal translation of ‘high school´. ‘Gymnasium’ lasts from about

age 12 to 18 or 19 and is required for anyone planning on tertiary education. This is the most

demanding of all secondary schools in Germany.

Students who go straight on to the Gymnasium take finally the examination called Abitur or

Hochschulreife. The Gymnasium is designed to provide students with an education which will enable

them, once they have passed their Abitur, to study at a German university or equivalent. Students

receive intensive specialized instruction to prepare them for academic work at a higher level.

The last 2 or 3 years at the Gymnasium, consists of courses, which students select themselves,

depending on certain conditions and on

their own preferences (with certain

restrictions). All pupils have to select 2

special subjects - 3 in the Saarland and

Rhineland-Palatine. Students following

Leistungskurse have to attend five hours of

classes each week. The Abitur is based on

the assessment of the subjects chosen as

Leistungskurse and of two other subjects.

The Gesamtschule (comprehensive school)Most federal states also have so-called integrated or comprehensive schools. The

Gesamtschule combines elements from the Hauptschule, the Realschule and the Gymnasium. These

schools allow their students to advance more easily to more demanding courses according to their

level of academic proficiency. Students usually spend six years at the Gesamtschule, from the 6th to

the 10th grade. Depending on their ability, they either obtain a Hauptschule or a Realschule leaving

certificate. Pupils wishing to sit the Abitur attend school for another three grades.

This type of school was introduced later than all the other types, mainly on the initiative of the

education ministers in Länder governed by the SPD (Social Democratic Party).

Förderschulen/SonderschulenThere are also Förderschulen/Sonderschulen. One in 21 pupils attends a Förderschule.

Nevertheless, the Förderschulen/Sonderschulen can also lead, in special circumstances, to a

Hauptschulabschluss of both type 10a or type 10b, the latter of which is the Realschulabschluss

Diversity and Non-German students

The school grade into which foreign pupils are placed when they arrive in Germany depends

on how well they speak German. Children who do not speak German at home and who have not

attended a German Kindergarten often repeat the first or second grade.

Since the number of non-German students has constantly risen over the years some

adaptations have been made. Children who were not born in Germany or whose parents do not speak

German at home are offered additional lessons in the form of preparatory classes, bilingual classes,

intensive courses and remedial classes depending on the State.

Foreigners whose children are born and raised in Germany are often concerned that their

children are losing their cultural roots. Therefore, in some states, children with non-German parents

have the right to some tuition coverage for classes in the mother tongue of their parents.

Berufskollegs

German education system also includes vocational schools called Berufsschule or Berufskolleg,

where students normally aged between 16 and 19 (but in some cases also up to 23 years) can

undertake a range of work-directed studies such as economics and specific business studies. These

studies are usually directly related to an apprenticeship.


4. THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN SPAIN

Spain's autonomous communities (which are 17) counts on its own public organizations: in

education. Autonomous Communities can decide a part of the curriculum.

The system can be seen as consisting of four levels:

Pre-school: 3 to 6 years of age

Primary School: six years of schooling - 6 to 12 years of age

Compulsory Secondary Education: four years of schooling - 12 to 16 years of age- and Post-

Compulsory Schooling (Bachillerato) two ears of schooling - 16 to 18 years of age.

Languages at School The Spanish Constitution stipulated that Castilian Spanish is the official language of the

nation, together with the co-official languages of the four autonomous communities: Catalonian in

Cataluña; Euskera in the Basque Country ; Galician in Galicia; and Valencian in Valencia. The

Constitution further recognizes the right of the autonomous communities to use their languages in

administration and teaching. Languages of the autonomous communities are the languages of

instruction in all centers of compulsory education. The use of the various languages of the

autonomous communities varies and is subject to the politics of language policy.Students also learn one or two foreigner languages: Usually English, and French or German

as second foreigner language.

Compulsory or voluntary Education in Spain for children is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 16, with primary education

lasting six years followed by four years of compulsory secondary education (E.S.O.) at the end of

which a Certificate of Education is received. Schools can be private, semi-private (private supported

by the state in the compulsory levels of education) and stated.

Ratio students/teacher The ratio students per class is variable. On average, there are about 20

students per class at primary level and 20 to 30 in the secondary level.

Pre-school (Educación Infantil, segundo ciclo) - 3 to 6 years of ageChildren 3 to 6 years old in Spain have the option of attending the Pre-

school stage (infantil or popularly known as preescolar), which is non-

compulsory and free for all students. It is regarded as an integral part of the education system with

infants' classes at almost every primary school. There are some separate nursery.

Primary Education (six years to 12 years)Spanish students aged 6 to 12 undergo primary school. These are known as escuelas or

colegios (although the latter term is applied sometimes to semi-private and private schools that take

pupils from primary to Bachillerato/Ciclos Formativo).

Secondary Education (12 years to 18 years) Secondary school (called Instituto) is compulsory and free of charge until 16 years. This

compulsory level is called ESO. Between 16 and 18 following studies are non compulsories.

1. E.S.O (Compulsory Secondary Education)Secondary education up until Bachillerato or Ciclo Formativo level (see below) is known as E.S.O. So,

a child of 13 (who has not failed a year) will be in Second E.S.O. and a child of 15 will be in fourth

E.S.O. and so on.

At the age of 16 a child should attain a Certificate of Completion of Secondary Education

(Titulo de Graduado en Educación Secundaria) if they have successfully passed (aprobado) his

examinations (examen or control). If they have not been successful then they will leave school with a

Certificate (Certificado de Escolarización). If a child has been successful and receive the Titulo de

Graduado en Education Secundaria then they can decide to:

• Leave school

• Continue their education by studying for the Bachillerato (essential for university)

• Continue to attend their school by taking a vocational course (Ciclo Formativo)

2. Non Compulsory Secondary Education (Bachillerato) Successful students are awarded a Secondary Education Certificate, which is necessary to

enter the post-compulsory stage of Schooling (principally the Bachillerato) for their University or

Vocational (Formación Profesional) Studies. Once students have finished their Bachillerato, they can

take their University Entrance Exam (Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad, popularly called

Selectividad) which differs greatly from region to region. The compulsory stage of secondary education

is normally referred to by its initials: ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria

The academically-demanding Bachillerato takes two years and it is considered to be more

rigorous and is certainly more highly-regarded. There are several computations of Bachillerato each

one of which is biased towards a given area, for example, the arts or the sciences. Some nine

subjects are studied with the yearly exam results of each subject aggregated to provide an overall

mark up to 10.

A pass at Bachillerato will allow a student to take university entrance examinations (Selectivo).

However, the overall grade gained at Bachillerato is important and, subject to how well a student does

in their Selectivo examinations, will define what they can study at university.

Selective test is attended after the completion of Bachillerato and is supervised by the state.

This will be combined with their Bachillerato score to provide the overall university grade - although

their school Bachillerato exam results will account for 60 percent of their final aggregate mark and

their Selectivo 40 percent.

Vocational education ( Ciclos Formativos)The vocational courses provided by the Institutos are intended to provide practical training for a

working skill such as plumbing, electrical work, hairdressing etc. The vocational courses last four

years and result in qualifications universally recognized across Spain. There are two parts to the

Ciclos Formativos:

• Midel grade (Grado Medio )– this lasts two years and provides a basic level of training.

• High Grade (Grado Superior) – this lasts a further two years and can only be started when a

student is 18 years old. If a student passes his Grado Superior he obtains access to the university

system. Grado Superior is open also to direct entry from students who have passed their Bachillerato.


5. THE CHALLENGES: ENROLEMENT AND DROPOUT

Enrolment and dropout in Turkey: Net enrollment in secondary education has increased from under 50 percent to almost 70

percent in the last decade. The Ministry is aiming to increase the enrollment rate in secondary

education to 90 percent in 2014. However, non-attendance and drop-out rates in secondary education

are understood to be very high: over 40% of students do not attend for 20 days or more within each

school year, and about 8% officially drop out.

Source: Ministry of National Education, Formal Education Statistics, 2010-11.

Enrollment and Dropout in Germany

After European Commission figures, every year, almost 80.000 pupils quit school previously,

meaning before school completion and without a graduation, certificate, or degree. Currently, the drop

out rate is approximately 8% and almost as high as 10 years ago (8.7% in 1996). It varies from 6.9%

in North-Rhine Westphalia to 11.8% in Saxony Anhalt.

Results from the German Report about School Inclusion (by Dr. Gabriele Dlugosch, University

of Landau, Second Meeting School Inclusion Project Nottingham, June 9th – 10th 2008 ) 7,5% of

German pupils drop out of school, this number is close to double for the migrant children which is

13%.

Proportion of school dropouts (18-24 years) in the EU, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany

Enrollment and dropout in Spain

According to the 2012 UNESCO report “Education for All”, published today, Spain tops the list

in terms of school dropouts and a failure to find adequate jobs for young people. Spain has the worst

ratio of Europe in dropout in the whole of the EU, according to new figures published by the official

European statistics body Eurostat. The report, which looked at the student dropout rate in all member

states, found that Spain was the worst in the class with 24.9% of pupils quitting school prematurely in

2012. The numbers of school dropouts are “alarming”, given that Spain has been “hard hit” by the

crisis and where youth unemployment rose above 50% in March of this year.

Dropout evolution in Spain: The dropout ratio in different Communities with special data for Galicia(Source: Faro de Vigo, http://www.farodevigo.es/galicia/2008/09/04/fracaso-escolar-aumenta-galicia-afecta-25-estudiantes/255719.html)


6. A SHORT VIEW IN IMAGES

7. SOURCES

Results of the student inquiry survey enclosed in this document

Web pages:

• European Portal for Youngsters in vocational education training

http://voieproeurope.onisep.fr/en/initial-vocational-education-and-training-in-europe/germany/

• Eurostat (EU) http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/education/introduction

• Enrolement and dropout (EUROPEAN COMISION)http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php/School_enrolment_and_early_leavers_from_educati

on_and_training

• Newspapepers

Faro de vigo, 2008/09/04

http://www.farodevigo.es/galicia/2008/09/04/fracaso-escolar-aumenta-galicia-afecta-25-estudiantes/255719.html)

• UNICEF UNited for Children Childrens out of school reporthttp://www.unicef.org.tr/en/content/detail/58/children-out-of-school-2.html

• University of ColumbiaColumbia http://www.columbia.edu/~sss31/Turkiye/edu.html

• Wikipedia


ENCLOSURE 1:

Questionnaire about different educational systems

Education : public /prívate. How does the system work.

1. Preschool teaching: - Volontary or mandatory attendance?- How many years?- For free or paying?

2. Elementary school:- How long? - Up to what age? - What degree do you get once you finished it? - Is there any kind of revalidation test after finishing it?

3. Secondary school:- Up to what age?-Volontary or mandatory attendance?-What kind of degree do you get once you have finished?- At what age are you permitted to leave school for good?-Which possibilities open up after finishing secondary school:

* Job training* University* Others……………..

-Is there any validating test after finishing high school?

4. Higher education- Do you have to do any exams to enter a specific study institution?- Universities: private /public

5. At all stages:-Languages taught : English, French, German….- Separation of sexes-Percentage of male/female students completing each stage

(focusing more on secondary school and university)

6. Other questions- Ratio student/class in primary and secondary- How many matters are there every year? (primary and secondary)- How many students give up without qualification?- What are the main challenges of the system?- Do you have many students with a different mother language ? -Do you have special integration programs for foreing students?


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